Newcastle United are living through one of those seasons that exposes everything about a football club. The highs have been exciting, with moments of sharp attacking football that remind fans why belief in Eddie Howe remains strong.
The lows, however, have been painful, especially away from home, where dropped points have become a familiar story. Thirteen points lost from winning positions in the Premier League tells its own tale.
While mistakes on the pitch have played a role, injuries at the back have hurt Newcastle just as much, leaving the squad stretched and forcing Howe into constant adjustments.
Despite the chaos, Newcastle have not collapsed. Injuries to key defenders such as Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Jamal Lascelles have stripped the team of stability.
More recently, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have also been ruled out, leaving the right-back position particularly thin. In most seasons, this kind of situation would spell disaster. Instead, Newcastle have shown resilience, leaning on youth and flexibility to get through a difficult spell.
One of the most surprising developments has been the rise of Lewis Miley in an unfamiliar role. At just 19, Miley was asked to fill in at right-back, a position far from his natural midfield home.
Yet he handled the challenge with a maturity far beyond his years. Against Chelsea, he looked calm, disciplined, and tactically aware.
Observers noted how comfortable he seemed, as though he had been playing there for years. His performance was not flashy, but it was effective, and that is often what matters most in tough moments.
Miley’s display was backed up by numbers, which showed just how involved and reliable he was throughout the match. He covered ground, won duels, recovered possession, and kept things simple on the ball.
For a teenager playing out of position, it was an impressive statement of intent and a reminder that Newcastle’s future may already be taking shape.
Below is a snapshot of Lewis Miley’s performance against Chelsea, which highlights his all-round contribution on the night:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 61 |
| Accurate passes | 30/38 (79%) |
| Shots | 1 (0 on target) |
| Possession lost | 10 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Dribbles completed | 1/1 |
| Ball recoveries | 9 |
| Tackles won | 1/1 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Duels won | 4/7 |
What makes Newcastle’s defensive situation even more interesting is that, statistically, they remain one of the strongest defensive sides in the league.
Data shows they have the second-lowest expected goals against in the Premier League, meaning opponents are not creating many high-quality chances. That speaks volumes about the system Howe has built, even when key players are missing.
This context brings the focus sharply onto Kieran Trippier. There is no denying his importance to Newcastle’s recent rise. He was the first major signing of the new era, setting standards on and off the pitch.
His leadership, quality, and consistency played a huge role in pushing the club into the Champions League and reaching a domestic cup final. For a period, he was widely considered one of the best right-backs in Europe, and his creative output backed that up.
However, football moves quickly. Trippier is now 35, earning around £120,000 per week, and nearing the end of his contract. Injuries have limited his involvement this season, with thigh issues keeping him out since November.
While his experience remains valuable, the physical demands of the Premier League are unforgiving, and his influence is no longer what it once was.
Livramento has already moved ahead of him in the pecking order, offering more pace, energy and defensive sharpness. Now, Miley’s emergence only strengthens the case for looking forward rather than backward.
Newcastle are no longer in survival mode or the early stages of a rebuild. They are deep into a long-term project, and difficult decisions must be made with the future in mind.
Trippier’s legacy at St James’ Park should never be questioned. He is a modern club legend, a leader who helped change the culture and belief around the team.
But sentiment cannot outweigh progress. With younger, more athletic options proving they can step up, there is a strong argument that Trippier should no longer be starting Premier League matches for Newcastle.
A reduced role, or even a move away when his contract expires, may be the best outcome for everyone involved. Newcastle must continue to build toward the future, and that means giving priority to players like Livramento and Miley, who represent what the club is trying to become.
Trippier’s contribution will always be respected, but the next chapter for Newcastle United must be written with fresh legs, hunger, and long-term vision at its heart.
